Brighton star Jan Paul van Hecke left with blood pouring down his face after being injured by own team-mate
BRIGHTON star Jan Paul van Hecke was left with blood pouring down his face after catching the studs of his own TEAM-MATE.
The defender was accidentally kicked in the head by Carlos Baleba as the visitors attempted to clear the ball from a West Ham corner.
But referee Rob Jones got it wrong and booked West Ham defender Konstantinos Mavropanos for a high boot.
Jones stopped play after Van Hecke got a kick to the temple in the 36th minute.
Blood pumped from a nasty gash on his forehead as Mavropanos contested his yellow card.
The accidental collision left the Dutchman on his back and needing treatment from the Brighton medical staff.
It came after midfielder Baleba stuck a high leg up to clear Jarrod Bowen’s left-swinging corner while Van Hecke tried to head the ball clear.
The Dutchman was forced to change his shirt due to the amount of blood.
West Ham replaced Mavropanos with Jean-Clair Todibo at half-time.
Van Hecke meanwhile returned after the break.
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Fans were quick to call out Mavropanos’ booking.
One wrote: “Can you please explain how the yellow on Mavropanos is booked when Van Hecke clearly gets kicked in the face by Baleba?”
While another said: “These officials are clueless. He’s given Mavropanos a yellow card.”
A third added: “That’s such poor officiating.”